The viability of a Norfolk primary school's future is being brought into question by parents who are concerned about its finances.
Parents are concerned that Cawston Primary School, part of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), is “falling into disrepair”.
It comes after concerns were raised about the school’s broken boiler - a problem that some parents suspect has been known about since the summer - and plans to revamp its facilities are rumoured to have fallen through.
READ MORE: Cawston school boiler fails leaving parents concerned
One parent from the school said: "We are worried that the school is falling into disrepair and many parents are worried about the future of the school.
"It needs a serious injection of funds for the sake of the staff and children."
The school's boiler failed last week and, as temperatures dropped, parents at the school reported that their children went home "freezing cold".
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Work on the boiler has now been completed after the site was left without hot water and heating for almost a week.
Concerns have also been raised over the state of the school's playground, as parents say children are not allowed to play or run on the tarmac as it is too rough and causes injury if they fall.
It is claimed that a project to repair the playground is no longer viable due to funding issues.
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Oliver Burwood, the chief executive of DNEAT, said: "Nationally the issues around funding for schools' repairs and maintenance are well understood.
"With an estate of older school buildings, the trust has to use its resources for maintenance in a fair and effective way and to prioritise works across its 42 schools.
"Although used safely daily we are aware that the playground surface could benefit from repair or replacement in the medium to longer term.
"This project is being considered in the current round or works planning and will be considered on a priority basis with those of the other schools within the trust.
"By putting this small school into a federation the trust has ensured its long term financial position.
"They share resources and costs with the other three schools within the federation.
"Because of this way of working, DNEAT has an impressive track record when it comes to its schools; 92pc of DNEAT's schools are graded as good or better by Ofsted, which is above the national and regional average."
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